Loch Lomond – Croftengea 2007 14 Year Old Smoke & Glory (Heroes & Heretics) (70cl, 51%)

This is a peaty single malt from the Loch Lomond Distillery, released under the Croftengea name as part of the Heroes & Heretics range from independent bottler Douglas Laing. It comes in a 70cl bottle at 51%. The spirit was distilled in 2007 and matured for 14 years in a single hogshead, then bottled in 2021. The smoke is gentle rather than overpowering. The nose is softly earthy with leafy kitchen herbs, toasted sugar, pear drops and currant buns. Hazelnuts, white chocolate, hints of tobacco and singed barley lead the palate, and the finish brings candied peel, anise and cinnamon.